Qingdao interest in HK travel doubles

Qingdao residents' interest in visiting Hong Kong has rocketed, with the search volume of flights doubling since the individual visit scheme was extended to the northeastern mainland city, according to mayor Zhao Haozhi.

The expansion implemented on Wednesday has also triggered a substantial increase in individual travel endorsement applications, with many people inquiring at immigration counters about the arrangement, Zhao said.

"The expansion of the individual visit scheme could enhance cooperation between Qingdao and Hong Kong's coastal tourism industries, in particular cruise tourism," he said.

Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung will attend briefings for tourism representatives in Xi'an and Qingdao, set for tomorrow and on Wednesday, respectively.

"We aim to promote Hong Kong to the local tourism industry and collaborate with travel agencies to introduce citizens to the many enjoyable activities in the city," Pang said.

He said he did not expect Qingdao and Xi'an tourists to flock to Hong Kong immediately as people usually need to plan their itinerary and apply leave from their companies, but the response so far has been positive.

Pang added the board will also invite key opinion leaders to share their travel experiences, as well as move to enhance flight capacity.

"Some Qingdao tourists have arrived and are touring the city. I believe they will post photos of their trips on Xiaohongshu and other social media, which will attract more tourists," Pang said.

Among the first batch of Qingdao individual tourists arriving on Wednesday was food blogger Bai Susu, who has about 200,000 followers on mainland social media and has posted her first Hong Kong video featuring a burger joint in Central.

Some web users in Shandong province commented that they would follow in her footsteps.

Bai also tried dim sum, rode the Star Ferry and visited several spots, including Golden Bauhinia Square and Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre, accompanied by representatives from Hong Kong Qingdao Association.

Pang said the monthly fireworks and drones show - floated in the budget last month - will be organized together with mega events to attract tourists, instead of simply being organized on a fixed date each monthly.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com